Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales have reached their highest level in two decades, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The number of shoplifting offenses recorded in the year to December 2023 was 430,104, a 37% increase from the previous year. Theft from the person offenses also saw a significant increase, with 125,563 offenses recorded in 2023, up 18% from 2022.
A historic 18th-century farmhouse in Trimingham, Norfolk, England, is precariously hanging over the edge of an eroded coastal cliff. The farmhouse, known as Cliff Farm, was purchased at auction five years ago for approximately $165,000. However, significant erosion has left the structure in danger of collapsing onto the beach below. The homeowner has been evacuated, and the North Norfolk District Council has announced plans to demolish the property before it collapses. The erosion has been accelerated by heavy rainfall over the winter, which saturated the steep cliffs and caused several landslides. Coastal erosion has also impacted other areas along the coast, including the seaside resort town of Hemsby, where several homes have been destroyed.
England faces a difficult decision regarding the inclusion of Jamie Overton in their T20 World Cup squad due to an inconclusive back scan. Overton’s injury has raised concerns about his availability, potentially opening the door for Chris Jordan’s recall. The selection panel will also consider the wicketkeeper’s role, with Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow being potential options. The ECB’s stance on players participating in the IPL knockout stages will also impact the squad announcement, expected on Tuesday morning.
England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck is set to transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season. Roebuck’s contract with City ends in June, and her decision to pursue an international opportunity stems from diminished playing time at the club due to the emergence of rising star Khiara Keating. Despite a recent stroke diagnosis disclosed by Roebuck in March, her recovery is progressing well, and she expressed a positive outlook on her career trajectory. Roebuck’s transfer to Barcelona comes after the Spanish giants reportedly kept tabs on her recovery and initiated the move, initially discussed towards the end of last year. Roebuck’s departure creates an opportunity for Barcelona goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font to compete for the starting position. Roebuck’s lack of playing time under Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor this season has also affected her standing with the England national team, coached by Sarina Wiegman, who has opted for other goalkeepers in recent months. Despite this setback, Roebuck remains determined to regain her position in the England squad as the qualification campaign for the 2025 European Championship begins.
Following in his father’s footsteps, 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff has scored his maiden century for Lancashire’s second XI, showcasing his remarkable batting abilities. His impressive century, which included a 39-run partnership with his older brother Corey, is a testament to his talent and determination. The younger Flintoff’s achievements on the same ground where his father played a legendary role in England’s victory over Australia in 2005 add an emotional touch to his accomplishment.
Declan Rice, the West Ham midfielder and England international, shares a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Lauren Fryer. The couple met during their younger years and have been together for seven years. Fryer is a supportive partner who regularly attends Rice’s matches and publically expresses her pride in his achievements. They recently welcomed their first child, Jude, who was born on August 7, 2022. Fryer is active on Instagram with over 36,000 followers, where she often shares photos of her family and supports Rice’s football career.
The government’s expansion of funded childcare for working parents in England could potentially affect the quality of provision or places for young children, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO expressed concerns about a possible influx of inexperienced early years staff and higher staff-to-child supervision ratios for two-year-olds, which could jeopardize the quality of childcare. The report highlights the need for further monitoring of the impact on quality and places for disadvantaged children or those with special needs. Additionally, the expansion has raised concerns over the feasibility of delivering enough places, with only 34% of local authorities expressing confidence in meeting demand.
A new analysis of data on the bathing water testing and rating system in England has revealed that some of the worst test results are being disregarded when awarding clean water ratings. This has led to calls for a change to the system, which is meant to warn swimmers about pollution linked to sewage.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has restored the tradition of celebrating St George’s Day in Downing Street, hosting the first gathering to mark England’s national day in over a decade. The event featured the raising of the English flag over No. 10 and a pledge by Sunak to provide additional support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Downing Street officials emphasized that Sunak embodies the spirit of St George through his unwavering commitment to aiding Ukraine. The Prime Minister also expressed well wishes to all on St George’s Day, emphasizing that it is a day to honor England’s patron saint and celebrate English identity.
Millions of people celebrate St George’s Day on April 23, marking the anniversary of England’s patron saint. To commemorate the occasion, a 60ft-long St George’s flag has been unveiled in Nottingham city center. The display has sparked debate, with some praising it as a celebration of English heritage and others questioning its necessity. Express.co.uk is asking readers to vote in a poll about the reasons they feel proud to be English. Research shows that fish and chips, the NHS, and Buckingham Palace are among the sources of pride for Britons.
